Tampa Community Holds Vigil for College Hill Cemetery’s Lost History

News Summary

A candlelight vigil recently took place at the now-erased College Hill Cemetery in East Tampa, uniting community members in remembrance of those buried there. Attendees called for the Italian Club to release ground-penetrating radar scan results, emphasizing the need for transparency regarding the cemetery’s past. With ties to the graves of Cubans and African Americans, the event highlighted a growing concern about the cemetery’s future as the land is currently used for parking. Residents are rallying for acknowledgment and preservation of the cemetery’s historic significance.

Tampa Community Holds Vigil for College Hill Cemetery’s Lost History

This past week, a heartfelt candlelight vigil took place at the now-erased College Hill Cemetery in East Tampa, drawing community members together in a united voice. Attendees gathered under a blanket of stars to remind everyone of the human stories intertwined in the history of the cemetery and to call for the Italian Club to release results from a much-anticipated ground-penetrating radar scan.

The College Hill Cemetery, which once served as a final resting place for many, is believed to hold the graves of hundreds of Cubans and African Americans. Currently, however, the land is being utilized by the Italian Club for parking, a fact that has left some community members feeling frustrated and concerned about the lack of transparency regarding the cemetery’s past.

One of those deeply affected by this situation is Angela Alderman Wynn, who has a family connection to the cemetery through her great uncle. Her passion and frustration were palpable as she urged the Italian Club to acknowledge what happened at the cemetery and to release the radar scan results. She envisions a time when the club takes responsibility for their actions rather than paving over what could be someone’s eternal resting place.

In a show of support, the Tampa City Council has also requested that the Italian Club share the results of the radar scan. However, it appears that the club has yet to comply. The demand for transparency continues to grow as community leaders and residents rally around a shared goal of honoring the memory of those buried beneath the earth at College Hill Cemetery.

Memorial Park Cemetery: Another Chapter in Tampa’s Uneasy History

In a related development, city and community leaders recently unveiled a historical marker at Memorial Park Cemetery, a site that has seen its own share of controversy. The cemetery, established in 1919 specifically for African American World War I veterans, was mistakenly auctioned off and sold for $18,000, leading to public outcry and government action. After recognizing the error, Tampa city leaders repurchased the cemetery for $100,000 to preserve its significance.

This unveiling of the historical marker is a step toward recognizing the site’s crucial role in the community and its importance in honoring those who served. Aileen Henderson, founder of the Cemetery Society, has long advocated for the site, emphasizing its importance in the historical narrative of African American veterans during a time of segregation and social inequality.

Concerns have been expressed not just about the cemetery’s historical significance, but also about its ongoing maintenance. For years, community members have called for better care and attention to this important resting place, ensuring that those honored there are not forgotten.

Unmarked Graves: A Growing Mystery

Meanwhile, another mystery is unfolding in the Hillsborough County area, with historians investigating allegations that numerous undocumented burials may exist near the County Cemetery, also affectionately referred to as the County Farm. Records showcasing discrepancies dating back to the 1930s have raised serious questions about the true number of burials in the county. Investigative efforts are now underway to understand the potential existence of unmarked graves, particularly those of African Americans who may have died in the county hospital.

In light of these ongoing concerns, the county is developing a plan to inventory properties that may have served as historic burial sites. As the community grapples with these revelations, the quest to uncover the truth about its lost history continues, reinforcing the importance of remembrance and respect for all who have passed.

The collective actions from community members, past public outcries, and recent discoveries are all steps toward embracing a richer, more comprehensive understanding of Tampa’s historical narrative. Through these efforts, both known and unknown stories have the chance to be honored and remembered, shedding light on the enduring legacies left behind.

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Additional Resources

• WTSP: College Hill Cemetery Vigil
• Fox 13 News: Memorial Cemetery Historical Marker
• ABC Action News: Belmont Heights Cemetery
• Wikipedia: Cemetery
• Legacy: Frank A. Reddick Obituary